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Solar and Electricity Data for Bradgate, IA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Bradgate, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.2/10 3.7/10 7.4/10 3.6/10 1.5/10
Not Bad 47% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you tired of high electricity bills and looking for a way to save money in Bradgate, Iowa? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data, we have determined that Bradgate receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar energy production. With the cost of solar systems gradually decreasing, now is the perfect time to make the switch to solar. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of installing solar panels in Bradgate and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment.

Bradgate Iowa Weather Trends

Bradgate Precipitation

With Bradgate receiving 39.36 inches of precipitation in the last year, it places the town in the 87th percentile in Iowa and the 26th percentile in the nation. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, it is clear that Bradgate has a moderate amount of rainfall. Despite not being the wettest location, this amount of precipitation can still contribute to the efficiency of solar panels.

Bradgate’s UV Rating

Bradgate’s average UV rating of 3.8 places it in the 8th percentile in Iowa and the 36th percentile in the nation. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06, Bradgate offers a decent amount of sunlight for solar energy production. Additionally, with the town’s average max UV rating of 4.07, it is clear that Bradgate receives a sufficient amount of sunlight for solar panels to operate effectively.

Bradgate’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 47% cloud cover in the last year, Bradgate falls in the 95th percentile in Iowa and the 63rd percentile in the nation. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Iowa’s average of 42.8%, Bradgate experiences slightly more cloud cover. However, with a good balance of days with various cloud cover percentages, residents can still benefit from solar energy production on clear days.

Bradgate Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents of Bradgate, Iowa pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, placing them in the 5th percentile in Iowa and the 15th percentile in the nation. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw. With lower-than-average electricity costs in Bradgate, installing solar panels can help residents save even more on their monthly bills while also reducing their environmental impact.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bradgate Iowa?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bradgate Iowa, let’s break down the investment in solar panels and see how long it would take to make up the initial cost.

First, let’s look at the weather data:

  • Bradgate Iowa receives less precipitation compared to the national average, which is conducive to solar panel performance.
  • The UV ratings in Bradgate Iowa are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Bradgate Iowa is slightly higher than the national average, with variations throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Bradgate Iowa pay less for electricity compared to the national average.

With this information, let’s break down the costs:

  • A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
  • This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.

To find out how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power. Here’s how:

  • The system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
  • With lower electricity rates in Bradgate Iowa, the savings may take slightly longer to cover the initial cost.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start accumulating and eventually pay off the investment. Additionally, considering that solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, the long-term savings and benefits of using solar energy are significant. It’s a financially wise decision that also contributes to a sustainable environment!

Investing in solar power in Bradgate Iowa

Installing solar panels in Bradgate, Iowa can be a cost-effective solution to lower your electricity bills and contribute to a sustainable environment. With ample sunlight throughout the year and lower-than-average electricity costs in Bradgate, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 7-8 years. After this period, savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate, making the switch to solar a financially wise decision in the long run. By harnessing solar energy, residents can not only save money but also reduce their carbon footprint and promote a cleaner, greener future for Bradgate and beyond.